Cover Image: The Opposite of Falling Apart

The Opposite of Falling Apart

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Member Reviews

I loved the message behind this book a lot. It showed the problems both Jonas and Brennan have in a very honest way.
The only think I had a problem with was the slow pace of the story. I couldn't get through it as fast as I would have wanted to.
Overall, I did love it!

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The author did a great job writing about anxiety and PTSD, at least from what I understand of the conditions (I was a psych minor, so my knowledge is limited). The story was fleshed out well and I was satisfied with the growth of the characters throughout the book.

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The start of the book is a bit slow, so if you like fast paced books then, you will to wait a bit for the story. The writing was well done. The characters problem were showcased so well. It felt like they were real. So enjoy reading this story.

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It feels very weird to have finished this book. It’s been a constant in my life for so long... Like, every time I had a book hangover and didn’t want to start a new book, I could just read a chapter of this. But now I am finished. And it is sort of relieving and sad at the same time.

I’m sure you can tell that this book wasn’t that great, since it took me five months to read. I just can’t understand Brennan’s anxiety. I don’t understand what can make a person so nervous to be around people.

There were great moments, though. (Or should I say perfect moments?😂😂) I especially found myself enjoying the book towards the end. Brennan and Jonas made a good couple.

The book was sweet, but I don’t know that I’d recommend it. Thanks for listening to my opinion and happy reading!

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This took me so long to read. Every time I tried to pick this book up, I'd immediately set it down after a few pages because it could not for the life of me hold my attention. I know I am older than the characters but they felt very young, even for the age they were supposed to be. I couldn't connect to them..Jonah's PTSD was one of the few things I felt were handled very well but I just couldn't get into the story at large.

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This book is about Brennan and Jonas. Two teens entering college who are struggling with anxiety and PTSD. The author did a tremendous job of writing about anxiety and PTSD. It was fleshed out well, and really shed a light on those disorders, in a way that did not in any way diminish the importance of them. I found the growth of these characters very satisfying, and I'm glad I was able to read their story.

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Unfortunately this book did not connect with me, so I DNF'd it. I think the main problem was that I am quite a bit older than the characters and therefore felt unattached to them.

I do think that teens would like this book, and the fact that it is written by someone who started on Wattpad is a good inspiration starting point for aspiring writers. I'd be interested to read what teens have thought about this book, to see whether it is my age that is not on my side!

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I don't even know where to start with this one. I can take the time to talk about the writing - which was good - or the story - which was definitely good as well - but.. The thing is that The Opposite of Falling Apart is so much more than those two things. Of course, every book is more than those elements, but I feel like it's even more so when it comes to this amazing read.

The rep is amazing. At least I think so. This is not an own-voices review so I could be mistaken [and if I am, do let me know] but I felt like everything was brilliantly done. Brennan's anxiety disorder felt absolutely real. I don't have an anxiety disorder, although I sometimes feel like I do have some "tendencies/thoughts" that aren't normal, but I really had my skin crawling at times at how lost in Brennan's POV I was. The way her thoughts are written and come across and hit you in your soul... I really feel like I have somehow expanded my knowledge on what it's like to have an anxiety disorder? If that's even possible.

As for Jonas' PTSD.. I connected less with it, but that didn't make it less present. Everything he did, thought and say made perfect sense to me - even if it wasn't always the right thing. Same goes for Brennan, by the way. The struggle he goes through with his one-and-a-half legs is pure and heart-breaking. Reading about it, getting to know him after The Accident... I'm sure it'll stay with me for a long time to come.

Seeing those two characters' lives colliding and entwining was truly a journey. Each having their own demons, pasts and struggles and then finding ways to accomodate the other while not losing themselves. Forcing themselves. It's hard to explain what this story did to me, to be frank. I'm trying my best to explain how this book made me feel but there are so many feelings that I don't even know if I'm going about this the right way? I hope you're all getting what I'm trying to say here since I've been attempting this review for hours without getting anywhere that makes sense to me. [Seriously, I hope you get it and want to read this book because it is so, so worth your time.]

5 / 5!

The Opposite of Falling Apart is a beautiful, heart-breaking, heart-wrenching story about two characters battling mental health issues. It's one that feels so real and.. I feel like if you read it, you might understand people with anxiety and/or PTSD better. Or at least I hope so.

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Thank you for letting me review this! I loved this book, I connected to the characters and I loved how their relationship developed. 4/5 stars!

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Both Brennan and Jonas have been through so much, and on their own they are in so much pain, but somehow they connect with each other and help to smooth out the rough spots.

Jonas is trying to come to terms with his new reality and his new identity. He feels that nothing will ever be the same again, and that he can no longer have the things that he wanted before. He is angry at life and circumstances, ashamed of his current self, and hiding from the world. His pain is both physical and emotional, but he doesn't want anyone to see. He tries to hide his reality from others, because he is not ready to accept it himself.

Brennan is filled with so much anxiety and has allowed it to dictate her life. She is afraid of taking chances, afraid to pursue her dreams, and afraid to let anyone in. Though her family knows about the anxiety, she hides the severity from them and tries to act "normal" even though she feels anything but.

When they meet, there is an instant connection between them and they start to lean on each other, little by little. First, Brennan tries to help Jonas deal with his physical reality, then Jonas tries to help her deal with her anxiety. As they grow closer together, they do help each other in so many ways, but ultimately their healing has to come from within themselves.

The growth of both characters is tremendous in this story. While Brennan's anxiety is more severe than my own, I was able to identify with her feeling of dread in some situations, and the desire to hide. I do that even now {and I am quite a bit older than her character}. While it is never explicitly stated, I think that Jonas suffers from PTSD after the accident. His behaviors and responses are completely understandable under the circumstances.

I really enjoyed how the characters each dealt with their issues, trying to help the other, while also trying to protect themselves. Jonas showed his selflessness over and over again with Brennan, and she in turn was able to come out of her shell and face some of her fears because she felt so comfortable in his presence.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through Net Galley and the publisher {Wattpad Books} in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The cover of this book draws in its audience to read the blurb. Once I realized it was a Wattpad book and dealt with themes that are honestly expressed these days, I knew I had to read it. Micah Good dives into anxiety and PTSD, so readers become aware yet comfortable with these topics spoken.

For an ebook, it’s slow paced and wished it could’ve been trimmed. The story stretches from summer break throughout Brennan and Jonas’ first year in college. The writing itself was beautiful with its eloquent language and captivating emotions. Readers can truly connect with the characters! It could’ve gone smoothly if Micah Good structured their third-person point of views more. While reading, it felt like there was a bit of uncertainty on what point of view to base the story from.

The plot itself is impressive as we’re dealing with two teens, battling with their daily obstacles. They eventually meet and help each other. I loved the realism behind their personalities. Brennan with her constant anxiety and Jonas suffering from PTSD. Few books can touch so deeply on subjects like this. It makes the book more understandable why it was slow-paced. It’s because of our two main characters and their recovery/progress through the challenges they face. Of course, there’ll be fails and doubts which both of them have to go through, but there were small ways they reformed and advanced the story.

Brennan had a great representation of someone with anxiety. Her thoughts conjured up most of the book, but it’s the reality she faces. Sometimes I wished she gave in, but I know it’s tough. With Jonas’ PTSD as well. Part of me was glad that they weren’t romanticized too much in the novel. Otherwise, it would’ve given the impression that they only got further and more confident through each other. Micah Good made sure we understood that they were there for each other but still gained the courage themselves with each other’s help on the side.

The relationships they have with their family and friends were paced out well. They weren’t involved as much, so readers concentrated on Brennan and Jonas. I adored the development of Jonas and his mother. It was a bit cliche, but the buildup of her being there for him was well addressed. Brennan and her parents faced a lot of miscommunication, which is relatable. It showed that parents don’t understand as much. The challenges Brennan went through with her parents also seemed like an important factor to her anxiety. Overall, the relationships between the characters were written and developed nicely.

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. Highly recommend to romance lovers who are looking for deep and thoughtful characters. Being a Wattpad book, I enjoyed it even more and hope to see more blossom in the future. The Opposite of Falling Apart received a rating of six out of ten.

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This was a sweet story, I did like the book, but it took me a while to read it. I normally devour my books but sadly this wasn't one of those books for me.

I felt deeply for the characters, Jonas and Brennan, as they both had lots of problems and struggles in their lives; but I had hope for them as their paths cross when they had a minor bump. It was good to see these two troubled souls come together and help each other.

I did find myself frustrated at times as the story wasn't as fast-paced as I would have liked, so found myself getting a little bored. That being said it was a good story.

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Holy cow. So many emotions. Thank you for this copy, I enjoyed this so so much. It had an amazing storyline and well developed characters!

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As a person who suffers from generalized anxiety, I am always here for characters with anxiety. The author gives an accurate description of someone suffering extreme anxiety. The relationship between Brennan and Jonas tugs at your heartstrings and it’s beautiful that they are able to find comfort in one another. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

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The Opposite of Falling Apart was a cute story. I enjoyed the characters. I thought it was written quite well.

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4,5*
Pros: Co-protagonist with disabilities and the other with anxiety disorder. Amazing focus on mental health and dealing with intrusive thoughts and panic attacks. Relevant PoV on living with a physical disability and surviving traumatic events (dealing with depression, anger and guilt, PTSD). Fun dialogue and heartfelt writing style.
.
Cons: Disregarded secondary characters. Plotline too linear.

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I received a reviewer copy of The Opposite of Falling Apart by Micah Good from the publisher Wattpad Books from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What It’s About: Jonas Avery lost his leg and a car accident and is having trouble moving on, he is moody and upset. Brennan, suffers from anxiety that is debilitating. They meet in a fender bender and their lives are changed forever.

What I Loved: This story has a lot of heart and Jonas is a swoonworthy boy. I loved that both characters were kind of nerdy and having a hard time in college and making friends. I liked the growth of Jonas throughout the book. I liked that the author really seemed to understand what an anxiety disorder could do to someone.

What I didn’t like so much: It was tiring to read this book at times because it moves slowly and the characters sabotage themselves so much it got frustrating. The portrayal of Brennan's anxiety was done well but this made me feel like I was slogging because it was just never ending. I understood that was the point but I would be lying if I said it didn't affect it at all.

Who Should Read It: People who love YA. Pe.ople who want a realistic take on an anxiety disorder. People who loved Turtles All the Way Down (that is the closest readalike for me)

General Summary: A story of two young adults struggling in different ways finding each other and growing a really lovely relationship.

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This story is a really interesting intake on two different disabilities (mental and psychic). How this kind of things can rule our lives? Will this battle be even fair?
Jason had The Accident that had changed his life in one moment - one minute you have all your libs, next one he does not have one limb. Will he manage to get out of this void that he had created in his mind?
Brennan lives with high anxiety and she's struggling with coping with her own life. Her mind is her worst and the most powerful enemy that can stop her from living her own full life.
Their two lives will collide and somehow they will connect and maybe even fall in love... This book was good, but to me, it was too long t keep my interest fully and maybe not to concentrate on the main topic which was really intriguing and developed.

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My favorite part of this book was the mental health and amputee rep. It sort of gave me The Fault In Our Stars vibes, just not as sad. As someone who has suffered from anxiety, I believe that Brennan was a well written and flushed out character.

The part of the book that I didn't enjoy is that it was just too long. The plot definitely isn't over exciting or stimulating, it is definitely more of a "day in the life" type book.

But it definitely didn't think that it was bad and I appreciate the romance within the story.

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Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Fantastic Flying Book Club, Netgalley, and Wattpad Books for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

This felt like such a sad novel, and I think it actually kind of broke my heart. We have Jonas that suffers from PTSD after being in a car accident which resulted in him losing half of his leg, and then we have Brennan has some really bad anxiety that she’s dealing with. Both of them have been dealing with some bad stuff in their life and honestly I feel like maybe it was a good thing that they came into each other’s lives.

I know there are some people that have expressed that they weren’t feeling the romance between Jonas and Brennan, and maybe I feel a little bit of the same. But you can’t help who you fall in love with, and not all the romances in novels or even in any form of performing arts can be fairy tale worthy or sweep you off your feet worthy. Some romances are just clumsy and full of mistakes or awkward vibes and just… not perfect. Nothing is wrong with not being perfect, you know?

Ugh there’s that “you know” again.

I think that this novel really pulled at the heartstrings, and honestly I feel like maybe the one thing that really made me feel more emotional about this wasn’t the romance, but how Jonas and Brennan had one another to learn how to get through what they needed to get through. Sometimes that is just more help to someone’s life and well-being, and even mental health, than having a lover. Not to say that having someone to love romantically isn’t a bad thing, but having that friend and companion that can really help you get into the deep things that you don’t want to face can mean so much.

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